An extraordinary exhibition featuring never-before-seen photographs of the British Royal Family is set to open at the King’s Gallery within the iconic Buckingham Palace.
This collection showcases the softer, more personal side of the royals, capturing moments that reflect their familial bonds away from the grandiosity of their public personas.
Among the highlights is a poignant image from 1943 featuring King George VI, comfortably seated at his desk in the Royal Lodge at Windsor Castle, his family surrounding him.
In terms of grandeur, the image is quite understated, but its simplicity was intentional. During the challenging times of war, the photograph served to reassure the public of the steadfastness and unity within the Royal Family.
The exhibition, debuting on 17 May, stands as one of the most extensive compilations of images chronicling the Royal Family’s journey over the past hundred years, highlighting moments both large and small.
Another standout piece in the collection is from 1964, depicting a moment shared between four royal mothers, each having welcomed a newborn within weeks of each other. The image showcases the late Queen, Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, each cradling their infants. Originally intended as a token of appreciation for the doctor who assisted with the deliveries, the photograph is only now being revealed to the public.
In more contemporary accounts, we look at the works of photographer Hugo Burnand, known for capturing pivotal national events, such as the King’s recent Coronation and the well-remembered wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011. Burnand recalls the fun challenge of snapping an unplanned photo, one which he affectionately calls “The Tumble.”
Shot quickly in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, this image captured Prince William and Catherine alongside their bridesmaids, all captured amidst lively, unscripted motion within a span of just three fleeting minutes.
Adding a more relaxed flavor to the exhibition, Burnand’s informal captures, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoying the serenity of Clarence House gardens, stand representative of the intimate trust shared between the photographer and his royal subjects over the decades.
Renowned photographers like Cecil Beaton, Norman Parkinson, and Patrick Lichfield also grace this collection, adding their iconic visions to the timeline of royal imagery. An integral part of this display involves not just photographs but also written notes, providing insight into the royal approval process behind various images. An intriguing note from the Earl of Snowdon’s 1958 photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, for instance, highlights artistic considerations such as “keeping the background light.”
Curator Alessandro Nasini holds dear a striking image by Cecil Beaton from 1968, which portrays the late Queen in a minimalist fashion, devoid of royal adornments. This image epitomizes the humanity behind the crown.
The exhibition further explores the evolution of royal photography and its ties to traditional artwork. A fascinating juxtaposition is presented by hanging a historic painting of Princess Alexandra from 1864 next to a modern photograph of the current princess, dated 2021, demonstrating enduring stylistic influences.
As a reminder of photography’s influential role in the public’s perception of the monarchy, this exhibition pays homage to the art form that has chronicled a legacy.
Meanwhile, the royal couple continues their engagements as King Charles maintains his patron role with the Royal Horticultural Society while completing treatment to tackle his health challenges.
An exciting visit lies ahead at the Chelsea Flower Show’s “No Adults Allowed” garden, adding a playful touch to the royal itinerary.
